Authorities using drones to monitor areas under lockdown in Colombo

COLOMBO: Authorities in Sri Lanka say they are using drones to monitor areas under lockdown in Colombo and its suburbs and have arrested 117 people who gathered outside their homes, according to The Associated Press.

Sri Lanka is experiencing a renewed outbreak of the virus since last month and many parts of Colombo and its suburbs have been under curfew or lockdown for several weeks.

People in lockdown areas have been ordered to stay at home and not to gather outside.

According to The Associated Press, police spokesman Ajith Rohana said police and the air force have conducted “special drone operations” to track down people who are violating the restrictions.

Those arrested can face six months in prison and a fine of $54.

According to The Associated Press,, Rohana said police began using drones because people quickly disperse when they hear police vehicles and then gather again after the vehicles leave the area.

The new outbreak originated from two clusters, one centered at a garment factory and the other at a fish market.